Young people who are looking to establish a credit history sometimes have difficulty determining which credit card offers are best. While some major banks and lenders may deny credit card applications from people who have no credit, there are usually plenty of offers geared toward folks who are looking to establish a payment history for the first time. If you're applying for your first credit card, don't expect to get approved for a massive credit line or a really low interest rate. You'll likely start with a small line of credit so you can prove your ability to make timely payments, and if you do so, it's possible that you can negotiate a lower interest rate later on.


To start with, try doing an online search for 0 apr credit cards. Although you're not likely to get approved for a low interest rate as a first-time cardholder, it's certainly worth a shot. Remember, if you don't get approved the first time for a major credit card, don't fill out multiple credit card applications. More than one or two inquiries can come off to creditors that you are desperate. Multiple rejections don't look good either.


Now, if that first credit card application doesn't get you a card, you can take one of several approaches. The first approach is to apply for a retail or fuel company credit card. These are typically easier to get than the major credit cards like Visa, American Express, etc. Starting with a small-time card is a great way to go--you may not get much credit, but responsible use of the card will help you to qualify for the major cards later on.


If you don't want a gas or retail credit card, try going to your bank. Assuming you have a history with your banking institution, it should not be difficult to acquire at least a small line of credit from them. In fact, my first credit line was through my bank--and establishing a payment history with them helped me get several offers for 0 apr credit cards soon thereafter.


The last way you can start building credit is by getting a secured card. "Secured" means that you have made an initial deposit on the card. You can pledge money you deposit in an account to secure the credit card. Generally, the credit you acquire will be 50 to 100 percent of your deposit. For example, you could potentially obtain a secured credit card with a $500 limit if you put a $500 deposit in the bank linked to that card. If you don't make your credit card payments, the bank will take your deposit. Make sure the bank is reporting your secured credit to the credit bureaus so your payments will be noted in your credit history. After you maintain good standing for a while, you should be able to get a traditional credit card.

Written by Kacy Suther. Find credit card offers and credit card applications for low interest and 0 APR credit cards online at credit-card-depot.com .